How to Grow Ixora Coccinea | Jungle Geranium Care

 Ixora Coccinea, also popular as the Jungle Geranium is a stunning specimen you can grow for red flowers. Here are all the details!

Are you looking for a way to add a pop of color to your garden or landscape? Look no further than the stunning Ixora Coccinea. With vibrant blooms in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow, this tropical shrub is sure to make a statement!

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About Ixora Coccinea

Ixora Coccinea is a flowering evergreen shrub that is native to tropical regions of Asia. The plant produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of red, pink, orange and yellow. These flowers have a strong fragrance and are a favorite among gardeners and florists for their beauty and vibrancy.

In addition to its ornamental value, Jungle Geranium is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, it is important to note that the use of Ixora Coccinea for medicinal purposes should be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.  

Botanical Name: Ixora Coccinea 

Common Names: The Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods or Jungle Flame 

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How to Propagate Ixora Coccinea  

Propagating Ixora coccinea is relatively easy and can be done using several methods. 

Stem Cuttings

• Take a 6-8 inch cutting from the tip of a healthy Jungle Geranium stem. 
• Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. 
• Plant the Jungle Geranium cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. 
• Water the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. 
• Place the pot in a bright, warm spot out of direct sunlight. 
• Water the cutting regularly and wait for roots to form before transplanting into a larger container or outdoors. 

Air Layering 

• Choose a healthy, mature Ixora coccinea stem and make a small cut about 6-8 inches from the tip. 
• Wrap a moist sphagnum moss around the cut and cover with plastic wrap. 
• Secure the moss and plastic wrap in place with string or wire. 
• Wait for roots to form from the moss and then cut the stem below the roots. 
• Plant the rooted stem in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix or transplant directly outdoors. 

Division

• Dig up a mature Ixora coccinea plant and gently separate the roots into several clumps. 
• Replant each clump in a pot or directly in the ground. 
• Water the newly divided plants regularly and provide bright, indirect sunlight until they establish themselves. 

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Requirements to Grow Ixora Coccinea 

Sunlight 

Jungle Geranium requires bright, direct sunlight for at least 4-6 hours a day to grow well and produce vibrant blooms. It prefers a warm and humid environment, but it can tolerate some level of drought and cold temperatures.

In areas with hot and intense sunlight, it is best to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. 

Soil 

Ixora Coccinea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for this plant. You can amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. 

Water 

Jungle Geranium needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. During the hot summer months, it may need to be watered daily to prevent the soil from drying out.

However, it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant at the base to prevent water from sitting on the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases. 

Temperature 

Ixora Coccinea thrives in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate temperatures between 15-35°C, but it prefers temperatures between 20-30°C.

It is important to protect the plant from extreme cold temperatures, as it can damage the leaves and reduce flower production. 

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Ixora Coccinea Care 

Fertilizer 

You can fertilize Ixora Coccinea with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

You can also add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the soil to improve its fertility. 

Pruning 

Prune Ixora Coccinea in the spring to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any long, leggy growth to promote new growth.

Pruning also helps to keep Ixora Coccinea compact and prevent it from becoming too tall or spindly. You can also prune the plant after it has finished flowering to remove spent flowers and promote new growth. 

Pests and Diseases 

Common pests that can affect Ixora Coccinea include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent these pests from infesting your plant, keep it clean and free of debris, and inspect it regularly for signs of infestation. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat a pest infestation. 

Common diseases that can affect Ixora Coccinea include leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases from affecting your plant, avoid overwatering and keep the soil well-drained. Remove any dead or diseased plant material and dispose of it in the trash. You can also use a fungicide to treat a disease infestation. 

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